U.S. patent application number 14/115304 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-31 for fitting system for a vehicle seat.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ulrich Lehmann, Rolf Schueler. Invention is credited to Ulrich Lehmann, Rolf Schueler.
Application Number | 20140210242 14/115304 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45876737 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140210242 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schueler; Rolf ; et
al. |
July 31, 2014 |
FITTING SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE SEAT
Abstract
In a fitting system for a vehicle seat having at least one
fitting by which a rest can be pivoted relative to a seat part from
at least one use position to a non-use position, the fitting has a
first fitting part with a toothed rim, a second fitting part,
having at least one moving bolt which locks the fitting in the use
position by interacting with the toothed rim, a prestressed
eccentric which moves the bolt radially outward to interact with
the toothed rim, and a control cam which moves the bolt radially
inward in the event of rotation in the opening direction, to
terminate interaction with the toothed rim. The control cam can be
rotated in the closing direction in a manner uncoupled from the
eccentric, to lock the fitting in the non-use position by
interaction between the one bolt and the toothed rim.
Inventors: |
Schueler; Rolf;
(Heiligenhaus, DE) ; Lehmann; Ulrich; (Alfter,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schueler; Rolf
Lehmann; Ulrich |
Heiligenhaus
Alfter |
|
DE
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
45876737 |
Appl. No.: |
14/115304 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
March 19, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2012/054796 |
371 Date: |
April 8, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/362 ;
297/354.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/2352 20130101;
B60N 2/123 20130101; B60N 2/2356 20130101; B60N 2/236 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/362 ;
297/354.1 |
International
Class: |
B60N 2/235 20060101
B60N002/235 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 2, 2011 |
DE |
10 2011 100 513.0 |
Claims
1. A fitting system for a vehicle seat, having at least one
fitting, by which a backrest of the vehicle seat can be pivoted
relative to a seat member of the vehicle seat from at least one
position for use into a non-use position, wherein the fitting
comprises: a first fitting member having a toothed ring; a second
fitting member, wherein the first fitting member can be rotated
relative to the second fitting member about an axis; at least one
movable bar, which the second fitting member guides and which locks
the fitting in the at least one position for use by cooperation
with the toothed ring; a pretensioned, rotatably supported
eccentric which, by a rotation in the closure direction, moves the
at least one bar radially outward in order to cooperate with the
toothed ring; and a rotatably supported control cam which, when
rotated in an opening direction, moves the at least one bar
radially inward in order to end the cooperation with the toothed
ring, wherein the control cam in a state decoupled from the
eccentric can be rotated in the closure direction in order to lock
the fitting in the non-use position by cooperation of the at least
one bar with the toothed ring.
2. The fitting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control
cam has at least one slotted control member which cooperates with a
projection of the at least one bar, wherein, when the fitting is
locked in the non-use position, the abutment angle between the edge
of the slotted control member and the adjacent projection is
located within the self-locking range or slightly outside the
sell-locking range.
3. The fitting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the eccentric
and the control cam are at least temporarily coupled by way of
means provided outside the fitting.
4. The fitting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the eccentric
has an eccentric actuation member which protrudes outward from the
fitting, and the control cam has a cam actuation member which also
protrudes outward from the fitting.
5. The fitting system as claimed in claim 4, wherein there is
provided a first actuation element which is operationally connected
to a clamping lever which is connected to the eccentric actuation
member in a rotationally secure manner.
6. The fitting system as claimed in claim 4, wherein a second
actuation element is operationally connected to a control lever,
which is connected to the cam actuation member in a rotationally
secure manner.
7. The fitting system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the clamping
lever and the control lever are coupled for entrainment by at least
one of a coupling spring and a slot/pin guide which has a free
travel path.
8. The fitting system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the control
lever can be pivoted at least one of by of a control spring, by a
control arm, and within the free travel path of the slot/pin guide
in each case in a manner decoupled from the clamping lever.
9. The fitting system as claimed in claim 4, wherein, between the
backrest and the seat member, a control segment and a pivotable
locking lever cooperate and move relative to each other when the
backrest is pivoted, wherein the control segment locks the locking
lever in the positions for use provided, and wherein the control
segment releases the locking lever during movement in the non-use
position, which lever then locks the eccentric actuation
member.
10. The fitting system as claimed in claim 6, wherein there is
provided an actuator which, owing to a control signal which is
transmitted by at least one sensor, pivots the control lever, in
particular with the actuator acting on a control arm of the control
lever.
11. A vehicle seat having a seat member and a backrest which, by a
fitting system as claimed in claim 1, is fitted to the seat member,
can be pivoted relative thereto and can be locked with various
inclination adjustments.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a fitting system for a vehicle seat
having the features of the preamble of claim 1.
[0002] A fitting system of this type having at both sides a fitting
which is constructed as a catch fitting is known from DE 10 2006
015 560 B3. A possible application is that the backrest of the
vehicle seat is able to be pivoted into a non-use position and is
then intended to be locked by means of the fitting system. The
non-use position may, for example, be a pivoting release position.
With a manual actuation element, the unlocking of the non-use
position does not present any problems since the pretensioning of
the eccentric can be overcome. However, if unavoidable unlocking
should occur depending on specific circumstances, for example, in
the case of pivoting release after the displaced vehicle seat has
been returned to its original longitudinal seat position, it may be
difficult with a small control signal to unlock the fitting system
in the non-use position counter to the pretensioning of the
eccentric.
[0003] An object of the invention is to improve a fitting system of
the type mentioned in the introduction, in particular with regard
to the unlocking action. This object is achieved according to the
invention by a fitting system having the features of claim 1. The
dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments.
[0004] The locking of the fitting in the positions for use provided
is reliable in the event of a crash and play-free owing to the
(resiliently) pretensioned eccentric. The unlocking is carried out
counter to the force of the pretensioning (for example, the springs
which act on the eccentric) so that relatively large forces (or
paths) are required for this purpose. A locking action in the
non-use position does not need to be reliable in the event of a
crash and play-free. Therefore, the control cam which co-operates
with the bars can be used in order to lock the fitting in the
non-use position (with play) independently of the eccentric. For
the unlocking action, significantly smaller forces (or paths) are
then required so that even small control signals, for example, from
memory devices of seat rails, can be used in order to unlock the
fitting again in the non-use position.
[0005] The eccentric and the control cam are first internally
decoupled. The temporary coupling of the two components for the
locking and unlocking in the positions for use provided is
preferably carried out outside the fitting by means which are
provided at that location, that is to say, externally. Accordingly,
the actuation member of the eccentric and control cam are intended
to be directed outward. The actuation members may be formed on,
that is to say, produced integrally with the associated component,
for example, as extruded collars or produced separately and secured
to the associated component.
[0006] Constructing the actuation members in hollow form is
preferred, preferably as profiled pipes. The actuation members are
preferably fitted one inside the other, preferably concentrically
relative to each other, without cooperating directly. The hollow
construction also enables a rotationally secure connection with
respect to appropriately profiled shafts, which lead, for example,
to an actuation element or to a fitting at the other vehicle seat
side. If the object of the inclination adjustment of the backrest
is not intended to be achieved with the fitting according to the
invention, but instead, for example, by a gear fitting, the shaft
which is required for driving it can be guided without interaction
by means of the hollow actuation members of the eccentric and
control cam, preferably concentrically relative thereto.
[0007] The fitting system according to the invention is used in
vehicle seats, preferably for adjustment of the backrest
inclination. However, it can also be used at other locations. The
fitting according to the invention may be provided at both vehicle
seat sides, or only at one vehicle seat side whilst, at the other
vehicle seat side, a conventional fitting without any locking of
the non-use position is then provided which, for example, has
geometrically identical fitting members and bars, but an internal,
direct and permanent coupling between the eccentric and control
cam.
[0008] The invention is explained in greater detail below with
reference to an embodiment which is illustrated in the drawings, in
which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the fitting used,
[0010] FIG. 2 is a partial view of the fitting with the redirected
control cam and therebehind with the bars which are acted on by the
control cam and the eccentric in the initial position,
[0011] FIG. 3 is a view of the clamping lever,
[0012] FIG. 4 is a view of the control lever,
[0013] FIG. 5 is a side view of the embodiment in a front position
for use with a locked locking lever,
[0014] FIG. 6 is a side view which corresponds to FIG. 5 with a
redirected control lever, released locking lever and redirected and
locked clamping lever,
[0015] FIG. 7 is a side view corresponding to FIGS. 5 and 6 in the
non-use position, with the control lever in the initial
position,
[0016] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle seat.
[0017] A vehicle seat 1 for a motor vehicle has a seat member 3 and
a backrest 4. The longitudinal seat position of the vehicle seat 1
can be adjusted by means of seat rails 6. The inclination of the
backrest 4 relative to the seat member 3 can be adjusted between
various positions for use by means of fittings 10. In addition, the
backrest 4 which is fitted to the seat member 3 at both sides by
means of the fittings 10 can be pivoted relative to the seat member
3 into a non-use position. The non-use position is, for example, a
table position for increasing the storage space, or a released
pivoted position, in which the pivoted and released backrest 4
facilitates access to a rear seat row.
[0018] The fitting 10 has a first fitting member 11 and a second
fitting member 12, which can be rotated relative to each other
about an axis A. The (notional) axis A defines the directional
indications used of a cylindrical coordinate system. The two
fitting members 11 and 12 can be substantially inscribed in a
circular-disc-like form. Both fitting members 11 and 12 preferably
comprise metal, in particular steel, which may be at least
partially hardened. In order to receive the axially acting forces,
that is to say, to axially hold together the fitting members 11 and
12, a surrounding ring 13 is provided. The surrounding ring 13
preferably comprises metal, in particular steel, which is
preferably non-hardened. The surrounding ring 13 preferably has a
substantially flat annular shape, but may in an alternative
embodiment be profiled in an L-shaped manner with a cylindrical
portion and a planar annular portion at the end face.
[0019] The surrounding ring 13 is securely connected to one of the
two fitting members 11 and 12, in this instance in an outer annular
portion with the second fitting member 12, for example, by means of
laser welding or by means of another securing technique known per
se. By means of an inner annular portion, which is arranged in a
plane perpendicular relative to the axial direction, the
surrounding ring 13, optionally with a sliding ring being
interposed, engages over the first fitting member 11 in the
radially outer edge region thereof, without impeding the relative
movement of the two fitting members 11 and 12. In addition, the
inner faces of the two fitting members 11 and 12 facing each other
are protected from the infiltration of foreign bodies and
contamination and damage.
[0020] Therefore, the surrounding ring 13 and the fitting member 11
or 12 which is securely connected thereto surround the other of the
two fitting members 11 and 12 which can be moved relative thereto.
From a structural viewpoint, the two fitting members 11 and 12 thus
together form (with the surrounding ring 13) a disc-like unit.
[0021] With the assembly of the fitting 10, the first fitting
member 11 is, for example, securely connected to the structure of
the backrest 4, that is to say, secured to the backrest. The second
fitting member 12 is then securely connected to the structure of
the seat member 3, that is to say, secured to the seat member. The
associations of the fitting members 11 and 12 can, however, also be
transposed, that is to say, the first fitting member 11 would then
be secured to the seat member and the second fitting member 12
secured to the backrest. The fitting 10 is in the force path
between the backrest 4 and seat member 3.
[0022] The fitting 10 is constructed as a catch fitting, in which
the first fitting member 11 and the second fitting member 12 can be
locked to each other in discrete relative positions.
[0023] The second fitting member 12 has--in this instance
four--guiding segments 14 which, with straight guiding faces, guide
a bar 16 in pairs laterally in a radial direction. The--in this
instance a total of two--bars 16 are arranged in a state offset
relative to each other--in this instance through 180.degree.--in a
structural space defined between the two fitting members 11 and 12.
The bars 16 are provided at the radially outer end thereof with a
tooth arrangement, which can move (fall) into engagement with an
internally-toothed toothed ring 17 of the first fitting member 11
which is constructed as an internally toothed wheel. When the
toothed ring 17 and the bars 16 cooperate, the fitting 10 is
locked. The guiding segments 14 are each in abutment with a bent
bearing face on the toothed ring 17 of the first fitting member 11,
whereby the two fitting members 11 and 12 are supported one on the
other. The first fitting member 11 may be supported on the second
fitting member 12. However, the relationships could be precisely
transposed, that is to say, the second fitting member 12 may be
supported on the first fitting member 11. However, both
arrangements are equivalent in principle.
[0024] At the centre of the fitting 10--in the structural space
defined between the fitting members 11 and 12--an eccentric 27 is
arranged. The eccentric 27 which is supported rotatably about the
axis A has along the periphery thereof for each bar 16 at least one
curved cam which is curved in an eccentric manner with respect to
the axis A. In order to rotate the eccentric 27, the eccentric 27
has an eccentric actuation member 27b. In this instance, there is
provided as an eccentric actuation member 27b a centrally arranged,
axially protruding, preferably formed-on pipe of the eccentric 27,
by means of which pipe the eccentric 27 may also be supported in
one of the fitting members 11 or 12. The eccentric actuation member
27b has at least partially a profile, for example, with two
radially inwardly protruding cams or another spline-shaft-like
profile. Two springs 35, for example, two helical springs, are--in
a state offset through 90.degree. with respect to the bars
16--supported on the second fitting member 12, for example, with
the radially inner helical spring ends thereof. The two springs 35
act on the eccentric 27, for example, with the radially outer
helical spring ends thereof. The eccentric 27 which is acted on by
the spring arrangement 35 rotates in the closure direction,
interacts with the radially movable bars 16 and acts upon them so
that they are pressed radially outward in order to engage in the
toothed ring 17, whereby the fitting 10 is locked (in a play-free
manner).
[0025] A control cam 36 is arranged in the structural space axially
between the bars 16 and the first fitting member 11 and can be
rotated about the axis A. The control cam 36 has, in this instance
two, control paths which each cooperate with a projection 38 of
each bar 16. The projections 38 protrude in an axial direction from
the bars 16 associated therewith. In order to rotate the control
cam 36, the control cam 36 has a cam actuation member 36b. In this
instance, there is provided as the cam actuation member 36b a
centrally arranged, axially protruding, preferably formed-on pipe
of the control cam 36 which is preferably arranged radially outside
the eccentric actuation member 27b and supports it within itself,
and which is itself supported in a central opening of the first
fitting member 11. Consequently, the eccentric 27 is supported on
the control cam 36 and the control cam is supported on the first
fitting member 11. The cam actuation member 36b has at least
partially, that is to say, at the free end thereof at the other
side of the first fitting member 11, a profile, for example, with
two radially outwardly protruding cams. When the control cam 36 is
rotated (and is in advance of the eccentric 27), preferably by a
few degrees, in the opening direction, the control cam 36 pulls the
bars 16 radially inward, that is to say, out of the toothed ring
17, in order to end the cooperation with the toothed ring 17,
whereby the fitting 10 is unlocked and the two fitting members 11
and 12 can be rotated relative to each other about the axis A. The
backrest 4 can now be pivoted about the axis A in order to adjust
the inclination thereof, that is to say, in order to assume another
position for use or non-use position.
[0026] In the present embodiment, it is assumed that, with the
fitting 10 mounted, the first fitting member 11 is secured to the
seat member and is arranged at the side of the fitting 10 facing
the inner side of the vehicle seat 1, whilst the second fitting
member 12 is secured to the backrest and arranged at the side
facing outward from the vehicle seat 1. However, the
mirror-inverted and rotated arrangements are also possible in an
obvious manner, optionally after structural adaptations. The first
fitting member 11 is in this instance secured to an adapter, which
is provided for connection to the structure of the seat member 3
and which is referred to below as a lower fitting member 41. The
first fitting member 11 is preferably welded to the lower fitting
member 41, optionally prepositioned with a positive-locking
engagement by means of corresponding contours of the first fitting
member 11 and lower fitting member 41.
[0027] At the side of the first fitting member 11 and consequently
the lower fitting member 41 remote (from the second fitting member
12), there is arranged a clamping lever 47 which is connected to
the eccentric 27 in a rotationally secure manner. For example, the
clamping lever 47 rests in a rotationally secure (and preferably
positive-locking manner) on the eccentric actuation member 27b that
protrudes from the fitting 10. The clamping lever 47 can be pivoted
about the axis A by means of a first actuation element 51, for
example, a lever which is arranged in the region between the
backrest 4 and seat member 3 at the outer side of the vehicle seat
1, preferably in order to unlock the fitting 10 for the inclination
adjustment of the backrest 4. The first actuation element 51 is,
for example, connected in a rotationally secure manner to the
correspondingly profiled eccentric actuation member 27b, for
example, by means of a profiled shaft. The clamping lever 47 is
also intended to be pivoted by means of a second actuation element
52, for example, a lever which is provided at the side of the
backrest 4. To this end, there is provided a cable 54 which is
operationally connected to the second actuation element 52,
preferably a Bowden cable, which carries a nipple 54n at the end
thereof. The clamping lever 47 has a clamping lever elongate hole
47c which is curved about the axis A and in which the nipple 54n is
suspended, whereby the clamping lever 47 is operationally connected
to the second actuation element 52.
[0028] A control lever 56 is arranged in an axially offset manner
with respect to the clamping lever 47, in this instance axially
between the clamping lever 47 and the fitting 10. The control lever
56 has five interfaces. The control lever 56 has as a first
interface a profiled opening, by means of which it is connected to
the control cam 36 in a rotationally secure manner. For example,
the control lever 56 rests in a rotationally secure manner (and
preferably in a positive-locking manner) on the disc actuation
member 36b which protrudes from the fitting 10 (in the profiled
portion thereof). The control lever 56 has as a second interface a
control lever elongate hole 56c, which is curved about the axis A
and by means of which it is operationally connected to the second
actuation element 52, by the nipple 54 being suspended in the
control lever elongate hole 56c. The control lever elongate hole
56c and the clamping lever elongate hole 47v preferably have the
same shape. The control lever 56 has as a third interface a
coupling spring 56f, by means of which it is tensioned counter to
the clamping lever 47 and consequently coupled, until the coupling
spring 56f has been pretensioned.
[0029] The control lever 56 has as a fourth interface a control
spring 56k, which is provided for cooperation with a control
segment 64 on the backrest 4. The coupling spring 56f and/or the
control spring 56k are preferably constructed as leaf springs
(preferably of spring steel), optionally also connected integrally
to each other and to the base member of the control lever 56 by
means of a common securing member in the transition region between
the coupling spring 56f and control spring 56k. The control lever
56 has as a fifth interface a control arm 56m which is provided for
optional cooperation with a memory device of the seat rails 6, for
which, for example, a second cable is suspended on the control arm
56m.
[0030] The control segment 64 is formed on the backrest 4 in the
vicinity of the lower fitting member 41, for example, as a material
formation or a secured cam. A locking lever 66 is pivotably
supported on the lower fitting member 41 and is constructed with
two arms. The one, upper, arm is constructed for cooperation (that
is to say, locking) with the clamping lever 47, the other, lower,
arm for cooperation with the control segment 64. The locking lever
66 is (resiliently) pretensioned in the direction toward the
clamping lever 47 and is retained, that is to say, locked, by means
of the upper arm in all positions for use by the contact with the
control segment 64.
[0031] In the initial position, the fitting 10 is locked and the
backrest 4 is located in a position for use, for example, with a
backward inclination of 23.degree. with respect to the vertical. If
another inclination of the backrest 4 is intended to be adjusted,
that is to say, the backrest 4 is intended to be moved from one
position for use into another position for use, the first actuation
element 51 is manually actuated. The first actuation element 51
pivots the clamping lever 47. The pivoting clamping lever 47
rotates the eccentric actuation member 27b and consequently the
eccentric 27 counter to the force of the springs 35 in the opening
direction. The rotating eccentric 27 ends the play release and
releases the bars 16. The pivoting clamping lever 47 also passes
through a free travel path, which is defined by the clamping lever
elongate hole 47c, the control lever elongate hole 56c and the
dimension of the nipple 54n. When the free travel path of this
slot/pin guide is travelled, the clamping lever 47 also carries the
control lever 56 by means of the nipple 54n. Alternatively, the
coupling spring 56f is constructed to be so strong that the
clamping lever 47 directly carries the control lever 56 (without
any free travel path). The pivoting control lever 56 rotates the
cam actuation member 36b and consequently the control cam 36 in an
opening direction. The rotating control cam 36 acts, by means of
the edge of the slotted control members 36c, on the projections 38
which follow the path of the slotted control members 36c and
thereby pull the bars 16 (released from the eccentric 27) radially
inward. The fitting 10 is unlocked, accordingly also at the other
vehicle seat side, so that the backrest 4 can be pivoted into the
position for use with the desired inclination.
[0032] If the first actuation element 51 is released, the cam 27
rotates owing to the force of the springs 35 in the closure
direction back into the initial position thereof, in which it locks
the bars 16 in a play-free manner. With the rotation of the
eccentric 27, the eccentric actuation member 27b rotates and the
clamping lever 47 pivots from the redirected position back into the
initial position. The control lever 56 which is in the redirected
position follows after a free travel path owing to the nipple 54n
or directly owing to the coupling spring 56f. The pivoting control
lever 56 rotates the cam actuation member 36b and consequently the
control cam 36 in a closure direction back into the initial
position. The fitting 10 is locked again.
[0033] When the backrest 4 is intended to be moved from a position
for use into the non-use position, the second actuation element 52
is manually operated. The second actuation element 52 pulls on the
cable 54, which pivots with the nipple 54n thereof, optionally
after passing through the elongate holes 47c and 56c, the clamping
lever 47 and the control lever 56. The pivoting clamping lever 47
rotates the eccentric actuation member 27b and consequently the
eccentric 27 counter to the force of the springs 35 in an opening
direction. The rotating eccentric 27 ends the play release and
releases the bars 16. The pivoting control lever 56 rotates the cam
actuation member 36b and consequently the control cam 36 in an
opening direction. The rotating control cam 36 acts by means of the
edge of the slotted control members 36c on the projections 38 which
follow the path of the slotted control members 36c and thereby pull
the bars 16 (released from the eccentric 27) radially inward. The
fitting 10 is unlocked, accordingly also at the other vehicle seat
side, so that the backrest 4 can be pivoted forward.
[0034] When the backrest 4 is pivoted, the control segment 64 and
the locking lever 66 move relative to each other (FIG. 5). At a
specific inclination angle of the backrest 4, that is to say, after
passing the foremost position for use, the control segment 64
releases the locking lever 66. The locking lever 66 pivots, owing
to its pretensioning, toward the clamping lever 47, which is
located in the redirected position thereof and locks it, for
example, by engaging behind with the preferably hook-like arm (FIG.
6). The clamping lever 47 is now retained in the redirected
position thereof, as is the control lever 56 owing to the coupling
spring 56f. The second actuation element 52 can therefore be
released for further pivoting of the backrest 4.
[0035] Shortly before reaching the non-use position, the control
segment 64 moves into abutment with the control spring 56k and
thereby also carries the control lever 56 (counter to the force of
the coupling spring 56f) with the further pivot movement of the
backrest 4. Whilst the pivoting control lever 56 returns to its
original position (FIG. 7), it rotates the cam actuation member
36b, which rotates the control cam 36 in a closure direction. The
control cam 36 carries the projections 38 with the slotted control
members 36c thereof and thereby moves the bars 16 radially outward.
When the projections 38 reach the end of the slotted control
members 36c, the bars 16 are in engagement with the toothed ring
17, that is to say, the fitting 10 is locked, but subject to play.
However, the play of the projections 38 at the end of the slotted
control members 36c is in any case substantially smaller than the
tooth height of the toothed ring 17 and the bars 16.
[0036] The slotted control members 36c are constructed at the ends
thereof in such a manner that the abutment angle between the edge
of the slotted control members 36c and the adjacent projections 38
is within the self-locking range (positive-locking action) or
slightly outside the self-locking range (non-positive-locking
action). In the case of the positive-locking action of the fitting
10, the friction forces between the projections 38 and the control
cam 36 ensure the securing action; in the case of the
non-positive-locking action of the fitting, an additional external
force is required, in this instance, for example, the weight force
of the backrest 4, which retains the control lever 56 and
consequently the control cam 36--in the initial position by means
of the control segment 64.
[0037] Both with the positive-locking action and theoretically with
the non-positive-locking action of the fitting 10, for the return
from the non-use position into a position for use, it is possible
to actuate the second actuation element 52 which pivots the control
lever 56 into the redirected position again by means of the cable
54. The pivoting control lever 56 rotates the control cam 36 in the
opening direction by means of the cam actuation member 36b, which
pulls the bars 16 radially inward, whereby the fitting 10 is
unlocked.
[0038] In the case of the non-positive-locking action of the
fitting 10, for the return from the non-use position into a
position for use, the backrest 4 can be acted on with a backwardly
acting torque. The torque is transmitted by means of the toothed
ring 17 to the bars 16 which, owing to the inclined tooth flanks,
are pressed radially inward (whereby the fitting 10 is unlocked)
and rotate the control cam 36 in an opening direction by means of
the projections 38. The rotating control cam 36, by means of the
cam actuation member 36b, brings the control lever 56 into the
redirected position.
[0039] In the case of the positive-locking action of the fitting
10, with memorized seat rails 6, the memory device of the seat
rails 6 can be used in order to initiate the return from the
non-use position into a position for use of the backrest 4. When
the backrest 4 is pivoted and released, the memory device stores
the longitudinal seat position of the vehicle seat 1. During or
after the forward pivoting of the backrest 4 into the non-use
position, the vehicle seat 1 with the seat rails 6 unlocked is
pushed forward. If the vehicle seat 1 returns to the stored
longitudinal seat position, the memory device transmits a control
signal, for example, a control movement or an electrical signal, in
particular of a sensor. The memory device is operationally
connected to the fitting system, as indicated in FIG. 5. With a
purely mechanical solution, the control signal may engage with the
control arm 56m, for example, by means of the said second cable.
With an electromechanical solution, an actuator can be controlled
with the electrical signal and also engages with the control arm
56m. The electromechanical solution may be more cost-effective and,
as a result of the use of intelligent electronic systems, further
enable a large number of additional logical connections to the
vehicle or the vehicle seat 1. Owing to the engagement on the
control arm 56m, the control lever 56 pivots into the redirected
position, wherein it rotates the control cam 36 in the opening
direction by means of the cam actuation member 36b, which control
cam 36 pulls back the bars 16, whereby the fitting 10 is
unlocked.
[0040] As soon as the fitting 10 is unlocked, the backrest 4 can be
pivoted back again. The control segment 64 is separated from the
control spring 56k, whereby the locking lever 66 keeps the fitting
10 in the unlocked state. When, after the backrest 4 has been
pivoted back, the control segment 64 has reached the locking lever
66 and separates it again from the clamping lever 47, the springs
35 can rotate the eccentric 27 in the closure direction again and
pivot the clamping lever 47 into the initial position, the control
lever 56 following owing to the nipple 54n or the coupling spring
56f and rotating the control cam 36 in a closure direction into the
initial position. The eccentric 27 acts on the bars 16, moves them
radially outward and locks the fitting 10 in a play-free
manner.
[0041] In particular with a plurality of pivotable, foldable or
displaceable vehicle seats in the vehicle, a safety interrogation
may be advantageous and verifies the states of additional locking
mechanisms before the backrest 4 is pivoted backward in order to
prevent safety-critical states.
[0042] For example, it is possible to consider use in a foldable
vehicle seat 1 whose backrest 4 is first pivoted on the seat member
3, then locks of the base locking provided at the rear end of the
vehicle seat 1 are opened and finally the vehicle seat 1 as a whole
is pivoted upward into an upright end position about a shaft
provided at the front end of the vehicle seat 1. When the fitting
system according to the invention and sensors are used for the
locking state of the locks, during return to the initial position,
it can first be verified by means of the sensors whether the
vehicle seat 1 has been pivoted downward from the upright position,
and the locks are locked again, before the sensors control an
actuator by means of a control signal, which acts on the control
arm 56m so that the fitting 10 can be unlocked again in the manner
described above and the backrest 4 can be pivoted back again.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0043] 1 Vehicle seat [0044] 3 Seat member [0045] 4 Backrest [0046]
6 Seat rail [0047] 10 Fitting [0048] 11 First fitting member [0049]
12 Second fitting member [0050] 13 Surrounding ring [0051] 14
Guiding segment [0052] 16 Bar [0053] 17 Toothed ring [0054] 27
Eccentric [0055] 27b Eccentric actuation member [0056] 35 Spring
[0057] 36 Control cam [0058] 36b Cam actuation member [0059] 36c
Slotted control member [0060] 38 Projection [0061] 41 Lower fitting
member [0062] 47 Clamping lever [0063] 47c Clamping lever elongate
hole [0064] 51 First actuation element [0065] 52 Second actuation
element [0066] 54 Cable [0067] 54n Nipple [0068] 56 Control lever
[0069] 56c Control lever elongate hole [0070] 56f Coupling spring
[0071] 56k Control spring [0072] 56m Control arm [0073] 64 Control
segment [0074] 66 Locking lever [0075] A Axis
* * * * *